Edgar Allan Poe is definitely one of the most renowned writers in the history of American fictitious writing. His dark stories lead readers to question whether they locked their doors tight enough before going to bed, and cause a need to double check around every corner before walking any further. The Tell-Tale Heart is a great example of his chilling writing abilities. The main character claims that he is not insane, but his actions argue otherwise.
Is this man truly sick, however, or was it necessary that the old man's evil eye be vanquished before it could cause tangible arm? This story uses epic symbolism and great character irony to answer this daunting question. The story focuses on the skewed thoughts of the young murderer as he plots and carries out his homicidal plan. As said before, he claims he is perfectly sane, but the evil eye wishes him harm. He does, however, admit to having a condition that allowed him to hear exceptionally well, "The disease had sharpened my senses?not destroyed?not dulled them.
.. Heard all things in the heaven and in the Earth. I heard many things in hell," (634). By this confession, it is obvious that he is not completely lucid.
Later on, he states that he, "... Loved the old man. He had never wronged me. He had never given me insult," (634).
Why would a person, such as this man, desire to kill someone who had never caused him harm?had even loved? It is nonsensical! This man's argument for sanity became completely invalid after uttering that very sentence. "l made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever," (635).Inopportunely, the old man's condition damned him to rot beneath the floor boards until some poor soul was unfortunate enough to stumble upon his lovely bones. This story uses subtle irony to end the tale.
When preparing for the kill, the narrator claimed to hear the old man's heart from across the room. Was it really his heightened senses or his own guilty, pounding conscience that was warning him of his irrational intentions? Once the task was completed and the body hidden from the world, the cops entered the scene.Not a hint or a clue was left to be traced, so the police made themselves comfortable. After minutes of mindless chatter, the murderer began to feel the effects of his dastardly deed.
The increasingly loud thumping began to drive him mad. Thump, thump, thump, "It was a low, dull, quick sound?much such a sound as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton,"(638). Due to the narrator's unstable state of mind, he did not realize that the noise was not coming from the chest of the dead man, but rather from his own ribcage.His guilt had pushed its way forward and began to twist his mind until he was unable to find relief except by admitting his wicked actions. It is ironic how the same sound that excited him for the kill was the very exact noise that led to his demise. The irony endures through the method of murder depicted in this story.
The bedroom is supposed to be a sanctuary?a safe haven?free from harm and fear. Poe violates tons Impression Day naval ten nameless Tallow murderer Day slung Nils own bed!One is greatly vulnerable while asleep, despite the unwillingness of most to accept this fact. People sleep better when they feel safe. More often, than not, folks will feel secure in their own comfortable bed. Poe is able to warp the symbol of the bed into something that will strike fear into the reader?a weapon used to slay its occupant. It is unnerving to think of feeling unsafe in one's own home, much less his or her bed.
In addition to the bed, the eye and the lantern are both symbols of irony. The eye is described to resemble "... Hat of a vulture?a pale blue eye, with a film over it," (635). From a medical stance, it is safe to guess that the elderly gentleman was suffering from cataracts.
From the stance of a madman, it was one of evil?"Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold; and so by degrees," (635). The film over the eye could symbolize trouble with one's outlook on life. It would be like looking through a hazy eye?having a skewed perception of the world; somewhat similar to the narrator of this story. This story is dripping in satire.By the end of The Tell-Tale Heart, there are many mixed emotions among readers.
Some believe the killer is Just misunderstood and needs help, but others think he is blatantly crazy. Just like all other narratives, this is open to interpretation. One can only make a conclusive opinion of the characters once scrutinizing all facets of the story. Through this tale, opinions can be formed by examining how the author sprinkles irony all throughout the pages, or how he places epic symbols precariously at the peak of interest. The rest is left to the Judgment of the reader.
